Thread: Extraordinary crisis

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Hallow Forum Friends... I hope you will understand. I just cannot keep silent on the Forum any longer. I have grown to appreciate the big hearts and generous capacity of all Forum members. So please bear with me - I simply MUST offer my thoughts and hopes along with everyone in the world to the poor people of Haiti. I work with an orphanage that has a performance group - The Resurrection Dance Theater of Haiti - that has performed in the US, Canada,Europe, Africa and has performed at thousands of schools here in Ohio and Pennsylvania, NY, Mass., Iowa, Kentucky, FLorida - you name it. They tell the story of Haiti's slave children (restavecs) and teach through dance and story about the connection we all have historically with Haiti. My group helps rescue children off the streets of Port au Prince, especially abandoned and disabled/handicapped children. There are so many such organizations in Haiti, and they all need help so desperately - even in the best of times. But this is now more devastating than anyone could imagine. I was to go to Haiti next week to celebrate the 25th year of the programs success - but now....
The St. Joseph Home for Boys and the Trinity House and Wings center are all damaged or destroyed. Miraculously - only two children were hurt. And tragically, a visitor volunteer to the orphanage was killed...
My group has been an example of creating jobs (they built a bakery - and a clinic and school. ) Now all that is gone.

IF you are interested, please visit our website: Homepage. You will see pictures and read updates about the programs and the present condition of my groups main house. Some may wonder if even a $5.00 contribution to any relief organization is worth it. I will tell you it is urgently needed by mine. And it is legitimate to be sure. I will also tell you that the Red Cross is outstanding and also an excellent place to contribute.

WE all love Halloween - and right now in Haiti - the scariest experience is happening right before the world's eyes. If you feel compelled to make a difference< i encourage you to give - even $5.00. - it's the cost of a bag of Trick or Treat candy... and that is one treat you won't regret handing out before Halloween. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. I truly am thankful for the Forum - Larry and all the members . . . Peace and Hope Susan

I may come across as a spoilsport, but, a word of caution - Haiti has one of the most, if not THE most, corrupt governments in the Western Hemisphere. And it's been that way going all the way back to "Papa Doc" Duvalier and his son, "Baby Doc". Still, it IS the home of Voodoo, so we Halloweenies do have some connection with the place, and it tugs at one's altruistic heartstrings watching the aftermath on TV. It makes the Samoan Tsunami of September 30th. look like a picnic.

I'm just saying, "Philanthropist Beware".

Originally Posted by Wolfman

I may come across as a spoilsport, but, a word of caution - Haiti has one of the most, if not THE most, corrupt governments in the Western Hemisphere. And it's been that way going all the way back to "Papa Doc" Duvalier and his son, "Baby Doc". Still, it IS the home of Voodoo, so we Halloweenies do have some connection with the place, and it tugs at one's altruistic heartstrings watching the aftermath on TV. It makes the Samoan Tsunami of September 30th. look like a picnic.

I'm just saying, "Philanthropist Beware".

Wolfman - You are not a spoilsport - you are completely correct. Haiti has had a sorry history of governmental corruption and waste. And people should be cautious about what groups they give to - not just pertaining to Haiti. I can say without hesitation that my group is completely legit. Visit the website and you can see more info. Homepage

I also know that CNN has an excellent list of giving links that can be trusted - most important is the Red Cross. People may be concerned - and no one should put their own financial security at risk - but now is not the time to hold back with a modest contribution to the legit groups that are in real need. It is the children that suffer unless aide comes in some form...

While the Haitian government has been more stable over the past few years, the situation now is dire - regardless of the government problems. Fortunately, relief organizations are many and philanthropists of all levels are able to give.

We will hear today from Bush, Clinton and Obama how important it is to not give up on these loving people and to simply give cash. I hope people will heed Wolfman's words - do the research - then give to those groups that they feel best can help.

Indeed, the horrors being lived out by those survivors in Haiti are unimaginable, even for us uber-experienced haunters/Halloween addicts. HallowSusieBoo your help for those in need is inspiring.

We donated $10 to the Red Cross through the "text "Haiti" to 90999". This article on CNN on-line: FBI warning of Haiti earthquake scams - CNN.com is a good source for information & advice on choosing a charity.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our Haitian neighbors.

SuzieBoo, I work for the American Red Cross. We have sent donations, support, and medical services. Donate to the Red Cross and we can give help.

Originally Posted by savagehaunter

SuzieBoo, I work for the American Red Cross. We have sent donations, support, and medical services. Donate to the Red Cross and we can give help.

Originally Posted by Ween12amEternal

Indeed, the horrors being lived out by those survivors in Haiti are unimaginable, even for us uber-experienced haunters/Halloween addicts. HallowSusieBoo your help for those in need is inspiring.

We donated $10 to the Red Cross through the "text "Haiti" to 90999". This article on CNN on-line: FBI warning of Haiti earthquake scams - CNN.com is a good source for information & advice on choosing a charity.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our Haitian neighbors.

Thanks so much for your supportive comments. Excellent advice and help... I have donated too to the Red Cross and our group is so very grateful for all that the Red Cross is doing. I think the Red Cross is by far one of the most effective groups in Haiti right now... thank heaven for your work. Thank you so much...

When these types of disasters hit, the dutch govt opens a special donation acct where you can deposit money....giro555. So far they've raised 6,6 million euros for Haiti. The money raised is divided between different organisations....the red cross, Tear, UNICEF, save the children, and world vision. We've given 47 euro per month to these organized agencies for years now via direct withdrawal. But we do plan on making an extra donation due to the latest crisis. The young people that I work with are also busy raising money for the cause.

There are still 18 dutch people unaccounted for. One couple was found dead in rubble of their hotel with the baby they had just adopted. The Netherlands has also relaxed the adoption red tape so that all the children who were going to be adopted can still come over without the paperwork. This will create more room in the orphanages.

On the dutch news, they said that the american ambassy was turning away american 'bodies' because there was no more room at the ambassy! Please tell me this isnt true!

MsM

I could share stories with you regarding my experiences here in the U.S.A
Without a doubt, I would say do whatever you can for Haiti folks, we are all people, there are no bounds.

Just be careful. As much as I love the U.S.A. I'm not as thrilled about helping everyone else with their problems before we help ourselves. We have our share of issues that are solvable, but no one realizes it.